Placing Limits on AutoFormat

Summary: The AutoFormat tool is a great way to quickly change the appearance of a data table. Usually AutoFormat changes all the formatting in a table, but you might not want this to happen. Fortunately you can modify exactly what AutoFormat affects by following the simple guidance in this tip. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, and Excel 2003.)

As mentioned in an earlier tip, AutoFormat affects every aspect of formatting a table. This includes all the number, font, border, position, and row and column settings necessary to change the entire look of your table. You might not, however, want AutoFormat to change every aspect of the formatting.

In these situations, you should click on the Options button when the AutoFormat dialog box is displayed. You will then see an enlarged version of the AutoFormat dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.) If you click your mouse on the Options button again, the original (smaller) AutoFormat dialog box will reappear.

When the expanded dialog box is visible, Excel includes formatting options at the bottom of the dialog box. Every option that has its check box selected will be modified by AutoFormat. If you do not want AutoFormat to change a particular formatting attribute, clear the check box beside that attribute. When you later click your mouse on OK, only those attributes you have specified will be modified.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2137) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

Make Home Buying Less Stressful! Why make home buying harder than it needs to be? Put your mind at ease—discover all the questions you need to ask to make the best buying decision.

Check out Buying a Home Checklist today!

Helpful Links

Newest Tips

Subscribe

RSS Feeds

Placing Limits on AutoFormat